A Minute With The Mayor Ry Collins

From floods to bushfires to storms and cyclones, the tropical Whitsunday region faces many extremes, so it is good news that Council has expanded our flood camera network with three new cameras in Bowen, enhancing the region’s capacity to monitor and respond to potential flood events.
 
These new installations at Queens Road, Inverdon Road and Soldiers Road will be crucial in providing real-time updates to residents and emergency services, bolstering the community’s safety and preparedness.
 
Our network of flood cameras is strategically located in high-risk areas across the Whitsunday region and will capture images that are refreshed approximately every 15 minutes.
 
The Flood Camera project began as a joint initiative under the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s Flood Warning Infrastructure Network (FWIN), funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, and supported by Council.
 
Since its inception, Council has committed to extending this vital network, with these three new cameras representing the latest effort to improve our flood response capabilities.
 
The new installations are a Council-led initiative, designed by our IT department, and were completed at a total cost of approximately $50,000.
 
This innovative, in-house solution builds on the successful trial of the first Council-designed system at Kelsey Creek, providing a more cost-effective alternative to the larger systems installed under the FWINP, which typically cost around $60,000 each.
 
Our growing network of flood cameras is a crucial tool for the community, helping residents and visitors make informed decisions during the wet season.
 
It’s important to remember that any flooded road can be deadly, and the condition of the road surface underneath remains unknown until the waters recede.
 
Regardless of the size of your vehicle, flood waters are dangerous for all. Always have a Plan B and equip yourself with multiple alternative routes to stay safe. Remember, once you enter flood water, you give up control of your vehicle—if it’s flooded, forget it!
 
For the latest road closures and road condition information, we encourage everyone to check Council’s Disaster Dashboard.
 
I’d like to thank the IT team for their hard work on this project and for their ongoing efforts in expanding the flood camera network that ensures the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors to our region during the wet season.

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